Wildfires blanket southern US

Wildfires blanket southern US

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) captured images of wildfires raging in the Southern US that resulted from the protracted dry season. The fires set areas in North Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee and Virginia ablaze.

NASA reported on its website that the most recent combustion, which began November 6 under unknown circumstances, is located in Ferebee, North Carolina. It has already consumed more than 1,000 acres and is expected to spread in all directions with the persistent dry weather exacerbated by shifting winds.

Meanwhile the Virginia fire in Maple Springs was ignited on November 4, also under unknown circumstances and has expanded to almost 4,000 acres. NASA warned of high fire danger, which is expected to worsen with the continued dry weather in the area.

In Tennessee, Tellico is dealing with a blaze that started November 3, and has already burned almost 3,500 acres of land. It is 25% contained, but sustained movement and growth is expected in the next 12 hours. Intense wind gusts reaching up to 35 mph is said to increase fire activity.

The Rough Ridge blaze in Georgia has been raging since October 16 and was set off by a lightning strike. It is burning the Cohutta Wilderness Area on the Chattahoochee National Forest. Extreme drought conditions and concern over firefighter safety have led authorities to let the fire run its natural course, NASA reported. Foreseen leaf fall in the next two weeks is also expected to contribute to reburn in the coming fortnight.